Port of Bremerton CEO Jim Rothlin outlined the agency’s mission, major projects and economic impact during a presentation to the Port Orchard City Council July 12, including efforts to replace the breakwater at the Port Orchard Marina.
Rothlin, joined by Port of Bremerton marine facilities director James Weaver — whose last day was set for the following day — said the port’s work centers on “increasing the economic opportunity for all of Kitsap County by generating jobs, developing infrastructure and improving local quality of life.”
The port operates three main divisions: marine facilities, the airport and industrial parks. Rothlin said a 2018 study estimated tenants generated $1.2 billion in sales in Kitsap County. A new economic impact study is underway.
The Bremerton Marina, built in 2008, has 320 slips — 220 for permanent moorage and 100 for guests — and is now near 90% capacity after years of marketing. The Port Orchard Marina has 441 slips, including covered moorage with a long waiting list, and easier tidal access.
Rothlin said the PO marina’s most pressing project is replacing its aging breakwater. The 1,500-foot structure, built to last 25 to 30 years, is now 50 years old.
“We’ve always said we are one big storm from losing that breakwater,” Rothlin said. “You lose the breakwater, then you’re shutting down your marina and that marina brings in about $16 million to the Port Orchard community just in the people that are there and the jobs that it brings in.”
The $16 million replacement project will be funded by $9.5 million in federal grants, $5 million from the state, $1 million from Kitsap Transit and $600,000 from the port. Construction is expected to begin this year and will take about a year to complete
The port is planning Sky Park, a 21-acre site for two 50,000-square-foot buildings and two 20,000-square-foot buildings with direct access to the airport taxiway and hangars.
Radian Aerospace, a next-generation aerospace company founded by former Boeing employees, is currently testing rockets at the airport and could manufacture its reusable horizontal takeoff and landing vehicles there.
The Bremerton Aviation Center for Education introduces youth to aviation with a flight simulator, seminars and a hands-on airplane construction project. Participation has grown from five or six students to about 45. The port helps fund scholarships for pilot training.
Rothlin also described the Circus of the Northwest Regional Sporting Event Center, a 200-acre facility supported by the Seattle Sports Commission. Plans include a 2.5-mile racetrack, community event center, 20,000-seat outdoor amphitheater and STEM technology center.
Also at the meeting, the council approved a contract with Nordland Construction NW Inc. to demolish five over-water structures as part of the Bay Street Pedestrian Pathway project. The $491,740.70 contract was the lowest of five bids received, with the highest at $1.6 million, public works director Dennis Ryan said.
Demolishing the structures will address safety and maintenance concerns and open the shoreline corridor for pathway construction between segments 6 and 11.
